An entry-level offshore job is a position in the offshore industry that does not require prior offshore experience. These roles are designed for people who are new to the sector but have relevant technical skills or training. You can find entry-level offshore work in oil and gas, renewables, and maritime operations. Most positions require a few basic safety certifications before you can step on board.
What types of entry-level offshore jobs are available?
Entry-level offshore jobs include roles such as deckhand, roustabout, assistant technician, galley hand, and general operator. These positions exist across oil and gas platforms, offshore wind farms, and marine vessels. You do not need years of offshore experience to qualify, but you do need to show up with the right attitude and a willingness to learn.
Here is a quick overview of the most common starting roles:
- Roustabout — general maintenance and support on oil and gas platforms. Physical work, but a great way to get your foot in the door.
- Deckhand — vessel operations support, including mooring, cargo handling, and deck maintenance on ships or offshore support vessels.
- Galley hand / steward — catering and housekeeping on offshore installations. No technical background needed.
- Assistant technician — supporting engineers and technicians with maintenance tasks. Often requires a technical diploma or apprenticeship.
- Wind turbine technician trainee — entry-level role in the offshore renewables sector, usually with on-the-job training included.
If you are not sure which role suits your background, browsing current offshore job vacancies gives you a clear picture of what is actually in demand right now.
What qualifications do you need for an entry-level offshore job?
For most entry-level offshore jobs, you need a Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) certificate, a valid medical certificate (such as an ENG1 or offshore medical), and a passport. Some roles also require a specific trade qualification or technical diploma, depending on the type of work.
The most commonly required certifications for entry-level offshore positions are:
- BOSIET — covers helicopter underwater escape, sea survival, firefighting, and first aid. This is the baseline for most offshore roles.
- Offshore medical — confirms you are physically fit to work offshore. Required by all operators.
- STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) — relevant for maritime and vessel-based roles.
- GWO (Global Wind Organisation) Basic Safety Training — required for offshore wind roles.
We screen every candidate against the QHSE requirements and international safety standards that apply to their specific role. This is a condition for every placement we make, which means you only get matched with jobs you are actually qualified and safe to do.
How does offshore work scheduling actually work?
Offshore work runs on a rotation schedule, meaning you work a set number of days on the installation and then have a set number of days off at home. The most common rotation for entry-level roles is 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off or 4 weeks on, 4 weeks off, depending on the project and location.
During your time offshore, you typically work 12-hour shifts, seven days a week. Accommodation, meals, and transport to and from the installation are usually covered by the employer. This setup means your living costs offshore are minimal, which makes it easier to save money during your rotation.
For project-based roles, the schedule depends on the length of the project. Some offshore assignments last a few weeks; others run for several months. This kind of project work suits people who like variety and do not mind moving between assignments.
How much do entry-level offshore jobs pay?
Entry-level offshore jobs typically pay more than comparable onshore roles, largely because of the demanding conditions, remote location, and rotation-based schedule. Day rates for entry-level positions vary by role, location, and sector, but it is realistic to expect a meaningful premium compared to shore-based work in the same field.
A few factors that influence your pay as an entry-level offshore worker:
- Role type — technical roles such as assistant technician generally pay more than support roles like galley hand.
- Location — offshore work in the North Sea, Middle East, or West Africa comes with different day rates and tax implications.
- Contract type — day rate contracts give you flexibility but no guaranteed income between rotations. Staff contracts offer more stability.
- Certifications — the more certifications you hold, the more attractive you are to employers, which can push your rate up.
If you are working internationally, payroll and tax compliance can get complicated fast. For an overview of the industries where offshore work is most active, the industries we work in give you a useful starting point.
How do you apply for an entry-level offshore job through a crewing agency?
To apply for an entry-level offshore job through a crewing agency, you register your profile, upload your certificates and CV, and get matched with suitable vacancies. A good crewing agency handles the paperwork, contract, and payroll so you can focus on the work itself.
The process generally looks like this:
- Create your profile — include your work history, certifications, and the type of roles you are looking for.
- Get screened — the agency checks your qualifications against the requirements of available roles.
- Get matched — you are presented with roles that fit your background and availability.
- Sign your contract — the agency handles the contract and, in many cases, takes you on their own payroll.
- Go to work — travel, logistics, and onboarding are coordinated by the agency.
Working through a crewing agency is especially useful when you are starting out, because they already have relationships with operators and know exactly what each project requires.
How iPS Powerful People helps you get your first offshore job
We have been connecting professionals with offshore opportunities since 1988, and we have a database of over 100,000 qualified candidates and a global network of clients across maritime, oil and gas, renewables, and civil projects. That means we know which entry-level roles are actually available and what it takes to get placed.
Here is what working with us looks like in practice:
- We match you with entry-level offshore roles that fit your certifications and experience level.
- We screen you against the QHSE and safety requirements that apply to your role, so you only apply for jobs you can actually do.
- We put you on our own payroll when you work internationally, including full compliance with local regulations and A1 certificates within the EU, so you do not have to worry about tax or admin.
- We offer 24/7 support, so if something comes up during your rotation, we are reachable.
- We work across multiple regions, with offices and representatives in the Netherlands, the Baltic States, Croatia, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Dubai, and the US, giving us real local knowledge of the markets where offshore jobs are happening.
Ready to take the first step? Find out more about who we are and what drives us, or go straight to get in touch with our team and tell us what you are looking for. We will take it from there.